Punters warm to Slumber Party as Gai looks to fifth Magic Millions win

PUNTERS started to back Gai Waterhouse’s sole runner in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic yesterday.

# DO NOT USE WITHOUT CONTACTING GCB SPORTS DEPT FIRST # Gai Waterhouse trained Slumber Party ridden by Ranjith Rajender goes for a morning swim with Sweet Redemption Pic by David Clark

PUNTERS started to back Gai Waterhouse’s sole runner in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic yesterday as the queen of Australian racing continued to talk up her chances of claiming a fifth winner in the rich race.

Bookmakers were quick to wind the Waterhouse-trained Slumber Party out to $18 after she drew barrier 20 on Tuesday but the money started to roll in for the filly yesterday.

And Waterhouse thinks the punters backing Slumber Party are on the money.

“I think the punters are making the right choice and there aren’t many chances in the race and she is doing everything right,” she said.

“I’m quietly confident about her chances and I can’t fault her.”

Slumber Party firmed from

$18-$16 yesterday and UBET’S Nick Curry expects the support to continue as everyday punters once again put their faith in the proven Waterhouse name.

“Most of the money is coming for the odds-on favourite Capitalist but outside of that there’s been a bit of money for Slumber Party,” Curry said.

“There are no real big bets but it is pretty steady money and it’s just your $50, $100 and $200 bets from your rank-and-file punters.

“Gai’s runners are always popular with punters in this race every year and she has got a great record in the race and of course once-a-year punters know the Waterhouse name as well.

“I reckon Slumber Party will shorten further and the bookies have plenty of respect for the filly.”

The support for Slumber Party comes as Waterhouse yesterday dismissed concerns about the filly’s wide barrier despite the fact recent history says she is up against it tomorrow.

Slumber Party will jump from barrier 16 if second emergency Zafina doesn’t gain a start but only one winner (Mirror Mirror from barrier 15 in 2006) has come from outside barrier nine to win the 2YO Classic in the past 14 years.

But Waterhouse feels the wide barrier could actually be an advantage come race day.

“I’m not worried about it one iota and she will be in the best part of the track,” the champion trainer said.

Slumber Party finished second behind Zelady’s Night Out first-up in the B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Boxing Day and Waterhouse said she had come in leaps and bounds.

“She is enjoying the beach and she is thriving,” Waterhouse said.

“She has just trotted and cantered since Saturday which was when she had her final gallop.”

Waterhouse has won the 2YO Classic a record four times with Driefontein (2012), Dance Hero (2004), Excellerator (2001) and Assertive Lad (2000).

Waterhouse likens Slumber Party to No Looking Back, who was first past the post in the 2YO Classic in 2012 before being demoted to second on protest.

Slumber Party, a $620,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale last January, is the most expensive horse in the classic field.